About Zila Khan

No wonder that Zila Khan , the daughter of legendary Sitar maestro Vilayat Khan, chose the same genre to start on her career as classical/semiclassical vocalist. Ustad Vilayat Khan named his daughter after Amir Khusrao’s raag Zila Kaafi.

She recently made her debut with a performance at a Sufi music festival and has also launched a new album, Ishq Ki Nayee Bahar, again of Sufi songs.

What is it about Sufi music that attracts modern day singers and composers? Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was the one who made the Sufi lyrics popular in the subcontinent in 90s.

Then came Gulzar-written 'Chaiya Chaiya' in the film Dil Se, set to music by A R Rahman , which is also an adaptation of Sufi song. Rahman himself is known to be enchanted with both Sufi music and philosophy.

In Zila's words, Sufi music is not just about 'Sur' and 'Taal'. It is all about communicating with others, "understanding other's point of view", to use her exact words.

Ishq Ki Nayi Bahar, the title song of her new album, is composed by Sufi saint Baba Bulle Shah.

She is also bringing out another album devoted to Sufi tradition, containing 'Sufiyana Kalam'.

She expects a lot from it, but isn't ready to reveal what it would be offering.